Although Henderson is undoubtedly among the elite WEC lightweights to be making the transition to the UFC since the two promotions have merged, he lost his title in his last bout against rising star Anthony Pettis.

“Of course it’s a little bit of motivation,” Henderson said about the loss, adding, “but I think there is a fine line—you have to take it in stride and not be obsessed with it. It definitely makes me hungry.”

Asked whether or not he felt his WEC experience would be invaluable heading into the most stacked division in the sport, Henderson was noncommittal.

“It is what it is,” Henderson said. “Looking back on it I don’t know whether it was better or worse for me. I do think I’ll turn it into a positive heading into my UFC debut. I’m not expecting to have many jitters because I’ve been in big fights before. I’m expecting to transition pretty easily.”

On April 30, Henderson will take on one of the most decorated grapplers in the division when he goes toe to toe with Canadian BJJ black belt Bocek in Toronto. While Henderson is aware of his opponent’s impressive grappling pedigree, he is by no means intimidated.

“I definitely want to stay aware of my opponent’s strong areas, but at the same time I can’t ignore his striking because I could get knocked out,” Henderson said. “We’re aware of his Jiu-Jitsu. Knowing the right defenses is important. If I get put in an arm lock or a triangle, I know I’ve been put there thousands of times before, so I know what to do, I’m comfortable and relaxed. You have to have confidence in your technique to get out of whatever position you’re put in.”

Since Henderson recently lost his title, he was asked whether or not he felt he would be underestimated by some of the established UFC lightweights heading into the promotion for the first time.

“I’m not sure,” Henderson said. “I don’t really think the same way a lot of reporters and analysts do. For me, it’s reality. It happens and I’m going to deal with it whatever the case may be. If other lightweights in the UFC lightweight division sleep on me then oh well—good for me. If they are aware that I’m a threat for that title, good for them. I want every fighter I fight to be at their best when I fight them.”

Many of the elite WEC lightweights who have already made the transition to the UFC have been successful, including Donald Cerrone, Shane Roller, and Danny Castillo. Although Henderson fought with most of the lightweights in the WEC, he admitted that he enjoyed seeing them succeed in new hostile territory.

“I want to see them do well in the UFC,” Henderson said. “If there is an ex-WEC fighter against a UFC guy, I will definitely be pulling for the former WEC fighter.”

Finally, Henderson gave his thoughts on making a good first impression in his UFC debut.

“I don’t think about the audience too much,” Henderson said. “I want to look good, feel good, and perform well, but first thing’s first—you have to get those Ws. I’m going to go in there confident. Every fighter is confident in themselves, and this is a great opportunity to perform well and get a bunch of new fans.”